Post by kaya on Mar 1, 2005 12:19:38 GMT -5
At last... a major tournament win for the Boyz
Ishmael Wiggan, Observer TeenAge writer
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Reggae Boyz has finally ended the drought. They defeated long-time Caribbean rivals Cuba 1-0 last Thursday night in Barbados to lift the Digicel Caribbean Cup.
Although the team was not at its strongest in Barbados, it was obvious just from watching their three matches on television that this Reggae Boyz team played with strong determination and resolve. They were united in their mission of becoming Caribbean champions and they did.
This win has somewhat eased the pressure on the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) who, in the last couple of months, has come under intense pressure both from the public and the media.
President of the JFF, Crenston Boxhill, a man known not to publicly show his emotions, was elated and thanked the Boyz for this important tournament win. Coach of the team Wendell Downswell was also ecstatic with the win and praised the dedication of the players and other staff members for the precious victory.
So the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany has been somewhat erased, but there is no denying that for the Boyz to regain their stature of old they must put up a strong showing in the Gold Cup tournament.
A good showing in the Gold Cup will go a long way in placing Jamaica back on the football map, thereby allowing friendly internationals against stronger teams and hopefully more full houses at the National Stadium and an easing of the financial pressures currently being experienced by the JFF.
The US $100,000 the team took home for winning the Digicel Cup is but a mere drop in the bucket for the JFF. Now more than ever, Boxhill and his team must capitalise on the Caribbean win and try to get top rated teams to visit and play against the Boyz.
After all, the Boyz are Caribbean champions and we are proud of them.
Well done Reggae Boyz.
www.jamaicaobserver.com
Ishmael Wiggan, Observer TeenAge writer
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
The Reggae Boyz has finally ended the drought. They defeated long-time Caribbean rivals Cuba 1-0 last Thursday night in Barbados to lift the Digicel Caribbean Cup.
Although the team was not at its strongest in Barbados, it was obvious just from watching their three matches on television that this Reggae Boyz team played with strong determination and resolve. They were united in their mission of becoming Caribbean champions and they did.
This win has somewhat eased the pressure on the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) who, in the last couple of months, has come under intense pressure both from the public and the media.
President of the JFF, Crenston Boxhill, a man known not to publicly show his emotions, was elated and thanked the Boyz for this important tournament win. Coach of the team Wendell Downswell was also ecstatic with the win and praised the dedication of the players and other staff members for the precious victory.
So the disappointment of not qualifying for the 2006 World Cup finals in Germany has been somewhat erased, but there is no denying that for the Boyz to regain their stature of old they must put up a strong showing in the Gold Cup tournament.
A good showing in the Gold Cup will go a long way in placing Jamaica back on the football map, thereby allowing friendly internationals against stronger teams and hopefully more full houses at the National Stadium and an easing of the financial pressures currently being experienced by the JFF.
The US $100,000 the team took home for winning the Digicel Cup is but a mere drop in the bucket for the JFF. Now more than ever, Boxhill and his team must capitalise on the Caribbean win and try to get top rated teams to visit and play against the Boyz.
After all, the Boyz are Caribbean champions and we are proud of them.
Well done Reggae Boyz.
www.jamaicaobserver.com